Written by Brandon Topp

Every April 20, the cannabis community gathers to collectively smoke pot in celebration of the unofficial stoner holiday known simply as 420.

From Golden Gate Park in San Francisco to Hippie Hill and beyond, tens of thousands of weed lovers light up in sync, honoring a tradition that spans decades. But where did it all start—and why is 420 the number that represents weed?

In this post, we answer the question, why is 420 weed day, dig into the history of the term, spotlight the real people behind it—including Dave Reddix, Steve Capper, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich—and explain how 4/20 went from a private lexicon to a national event pushing for the legalize cannabis movement.

Celebrate April 20 the right way with Mood’s federally legal weed—top-shelf THCa flower, edibles, and pre-rolls shipped straight to your door.

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Table of Contents

• What Is 420 Weed Day?

• The Real Story: Five Students and a Weed Patch

• Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, and the 4:20 Meet-Up

• How High Times and Steve Bloom Helped 420 Spread

• 420 Myths and Misconceptions

• 4/20 in Cannabis Activism, Culture, and Legalization

• How to Celebrate 4/20 in Legal Weed States

• FAQ

• Try Mood Cannabis Products

What Is 420 Weed Day?

420 is the stoner holiday that takes place every year on April 20.

It’s not just about lighting up—it's about coming together to celebrate the cannabis plant, push back against the stigma, and promote recreational use in line with federal law.

But unlike many traditions, 420 didn’t start in a government office or public rally.

It began with a group of high school kids in Marin County, California, who met regularly at 4:20 p.m. to go on a mission to find a rumored weed patch.

Elevate your April 20 plans with premium THCa from Mood—crafted for fans of the cannabis plant and totally compliant with federal law.

The Real Story: Five Students and a Weed Patch

In 1971, five students from San Rafael High School—Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich—developed a private lexicon for talking about weed without teachers or police officers catching on.

Their code? “420 Louis,” which referenced their meeting time (4:20 p.m.) and the statue of chemist Louis Pasteur outside their school where they’d gather.

Their goal? Locate a hidden weed patch rumored to grow near the nearby Point Reyes Coast Guard station.

They never found the stash, but the term "420" stuck as their code for smoking up after football practice or other extracurricular activities.

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Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, and the 4:20 Meet-Up

The slang spread through the Waldos’ friend group, partly thanks to their connections to the Grateful Dead.

Dave Reddix’s brother managed a side gig with the band, and the Waldos even hung out backstage, where the band’s fans picked up on the lingo.

Years later, Dave Reddix—aka “Waldo Dave”—would work for the Associated Press. But it was another journalist, Steve Bloom, who brought 420 to the masses.

Bloom, then a writer for cannabis magazine High Times, saw a flyer about a “420” meet-up in San Francisco and published it in the magazine. From there, the term blew up.

Live the legacy with Mood’s THCa-rich weed, perfect for honoring the pioneers—Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey, Schwartz, and the original Waldos.

How High Times and Steve Bloom Helped 420 Spread

Cannabis magazine High Times and Steve Bloom played a huge role in turning 420 from a local code into a national phenomenon.

Bloom’s 1991 article explained how the Waldos used “420” as slang, and soon, pot shops, college students, and activists across the country were using it too.

The magazine’s coverage, with shout-outs from bands and cannabis celebrities, helped turn April 20 into a day of stands smoking out together—from Salt Lake City to the nation’s capital.

Mood brings that High Times energy to your door—top-shelf weed from the farm to your grinder.

420 Myths and Misconceptions

With such a big number attached to cannabis culture, myths were bound to follow. Let’s debunk the biggest ones:

• Bob Dylan’s song “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35”: Yes, 12 x 35 = 420. No, that’s not the origin.

• Police code for marijuana: Sorry, but 420 isn’t used by police officers in that way.

• Active chemicals in cannabis: There are hundreds, but not exactly 420.

Stick to the facts and fire up responsibly with Mood—federally legal weed with clarity, potency, and zero confusion.

4/20 in Cannabis Activism, Culture, and Legalization

Today, 4/20 is about more than just sparking up. It’s a day for recreational pot lovers, cannabis reformers, and legalization advocates to rally and push the conversation forward.

From San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park to Salt Lake City and D.C., 4/20 is when thousands gather in legal weed states to advocate for change.

It’s been referenced in bills, speeches, and festivals pushing for an end to cannabis as part of the Controlled Substances list under federal law.

Whether it’s a Friday night football scene or a peaceful protest, 4/20 is a unifying force—fueled by tradition, culture, and the dream that someday somebody’s laws will catch up.

Fuel your cannabis freedom with Mood’s potent THCa flower—shipped anywhere in the U.S., totally Farm Bill compliant.

How to Celebrate 4/20 in Legal Weed States

Want to get in on the 4/20 action? Here are some ways to celebrate:

• Join a crowd at Hippie Hill or your local cannabis fest

• Blaze with friends at 4:20 sharp

• Order up some discounted pot from Mood

• Watch Bob Dylan’s Rainy Day Women performance and reflect on the plant’s long, strange journey

• Pour a Waldos Special Ale and spark a joint in tribute

Wherever you are—Salt Lake, the Bay, or beyond—Mood brings the weed to you. No card needed. No waiting in line.

FAQ

Why is 420 Weed Day?

Five students from Marin County coined it as a meeting time to smoke weed after school. “420” became a code word that spread from the Waldos to the world.

Who are the Waldos?

Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich were the teens behind 420. They created the term during high school in 1971.

Did 420 come from a police code?

No. That’s a myth. The term came from a group of students' private slang—not police officers.

What’s Bob Dylan’s connection to 420?

Some fans think “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” (12 x 35 = 420) is the origin. It’s a cool coincidence, but the real origin is the Waldos’ after-school plan to find a weed patch.

When did 420 become a public thing?

In the 1990s, when Steve Bloom from High Times shared it with the world. That cannabis magazine made 4/20 a rallying cry for recreational use and legal reform.

Try Mood Cannabis Products

However you plan to celebrate April 20—be it standing on Hippie Hill or lounging at home—Mood has you covered.

Our high-potency THCa flower, smooth vapes, and tasty edibles are made from hemp and fully compliant with the Farm Bill. No med card required. Just premium cannabis vibes, delivered right to your door.